Eco-Anarchy Centre

The project is located in one of the biggest areas of squatters in West Berlin, where new sub-cultures will live in Eco - Anarchy Centres (EAC) which are permanent squats. A place for the performing arts combined with work, play and living for groups reacting to the geopolitical and economical crisis.

Inspired by Tacheles, a squat in Berlin, this project explores anarchy as a future architectural utopian phenomenon.

In the Anarchy Community the activists' lives become metaphors for future counterculture. Through a critical analysis of both contemporary and historical anarchy communities I aim to propose an alternative urban regeneration strategy. The development relies on the cyclical nature of the anarchy communities through squatting in areas where living spaces are lacking.

There are two Berlins each with its own architectural style; a consequence of the division imposed after the war. Similarly EAC is split into two separate buildings; the desire to reveal the existing infrastructure demanded a creative reuse and recycling of much of the original structures which were reinvented to develop new and often unexpected outcomes. The infrastructure permits construction of a new environment on the pre-existing building leading to unplanned and economical additions.

A spontaneous expression without permission, the architecture seeks to become an active participant in the building of the community and organisation through communal action and shared responsibility. By adopting and manipulating the processes, language and materials associated with recycling and self-build precedents, I was able to speculate on the qualities of the spaces produced and their creation.

Earth, Textile and recycled materials are used for experimental construction and the community can experiment with new forms of their own desired architecture. As the rogue community becomes more developed and experienced, the architecture improves leading to a better use of space and use of modern techniques.

A renewable energy plant is located in the underground building where water from the river will be collected. The plant cleans the water and generates energy by channelling it through a series of recycled pipes.